I am glad to find that other people have similar symptoms. I am a white female, 43 years old, and eat a healthy diet (no milk products except for yoghurt or cottage cheese). I am not on ANY medication and do not take even Advil when I am experiencing a bloated condition.

I have been suffering from similar symptoms for over 5 years now...the feelings of being 'overly full' (not from overeating) started to appear when I was training for a walkathon, and during this same time I inexplicably gained over 40 pounds. Since that time, the weight has been piling on and clothes, in particular t-shirts, do not fit. I did not seek medical help because I thought this was what "becoming fat" felt like. I am not suffering from constipation (though it feels like constipation; however I am actually very regular) and my periods are also regular and normal (though I do suffer from severe cramps, but have all my life). This is NOT the bloating that occurs before my period, this is a completely different type of bloating, it really feels like I have a watermelon inside me and it is restricting my lungs. I can't even 'suck this in' or contract my stomach at all, it's not normal.

I have recurrent symptoms of swelling/bloatedness, severe enough that I actually am short of breath and have to "sigh" in order to get a good breath. Sitting or standing is uncomfortable; the only position where I can breath slightly more comfortable is lying on my side. Periodically, I also get lower back/right side aching, where it hurts to walk (feels like a bladder or kidney infection, but tests are clear), paired with night sweats where I am unbearably hot, or where I will be shaking from being cold all night long. More recently, my fever and aching was so severe that if I did not know better, I would have thought I was in labour, as it felt just like labour pains from childbirth (but with no easing up inbetween cramping).

I have cut out fat from my diet for 3 weeks now and my symptoms were improved **so dramatically** that I can actually wear t-shirts and they hang on my body rather than pulling across underneath my breasts. I don't have a scale, but I would easily say that I shrunk down two full shirt sizes in two weeks. I could bend, touch my toes, suck in my stomach, it was like I was finally normal again! All hope is restored......

I went for an ultrasound today, thinking that my symptoms were gall bladder-related. My gall bladder appears healthy and has no sign of a pebble inside. And then:

Today, again, I am feeling the fullness/bloating again, and very short of breath. Could it be: (a) from the ultrasound technologist pushing around in there today? (b) the fact that I had a bowl of fresh fruit for breakfast? (c) the fact that I ate 2 low-fat cookies yesterday afternoon? Nothing else in my diet has changed and I am disappointed that after 2 weeks of feeling NO bloatedness, it reappeared and I don't know why. When I am this way, I cannot tell if I am hungry or not because I am constantly feeling full, and often end of skipping meals which is not helpful to my mood!

I do have other symptoms, but not sure what, if any, the relation could be:- in past couple of years, would have mild heartburn, NOT occurring after eating or being full - I have a phlegmy cough in the morning ONLY- very rare but severe coughing/choking fits (too much saliva?) where I usually end up vomiting, or at resulting in broken blood vessels in my face from the violent coughing- periodic shoulder pain/aching/loss of mobility (which has almost completely disappeared when cut out fat from diet)- pain in breathing when I lie on my left-hand side (this has been a lifelong undiagnosed condition but it does disappear...but it has reappeared today after the ultrasound technologist was poking around in there)- recently, before I cut out the fat from my diet, I would get a blister in my upper palate/throat when I ate. I could 'pop' the blister and the discomfort was gone - it is not a painful blister. When I cut out the fat, they did not reoccur, but today after eating my bowl of fruit, I got the blister again.....along with the bloating and discomfort.

I would be interested to know, does ANYONE also experience any of these symptoms, I wonder if they are related?

Sorry that everybody is suffering too but I am also thankful that I am not alone. 6 months ago I started getting headaches and lightheadedness for about 2 weeks. After that I would periodically have sharp stabbing pains in my lower left abdomen that would be debilitating, usually initially started when standing and getting a pelvic exam from the gyno. Since then my monthy cycle has been very short. I ended up quitting my job because of these pains and they have since gone away but I am not sure if its from being off my feet or because I got back on the birth control Pill (possible endometriosis). Well my stomach is always swollen now it usually gets worse as the day progresses. I also have dull pain and mild cramping fairly regularly in my lower left abdominal area (doc is trying to convince me it is IBS) and extends into my lower back which is constantly aching, I also feel fatigued quickly, similar to when I was pregnant, if I fight the fatigue I end up with headaches and dizziness. I have always been very fit, I am 26 5' 3" I have pretty much been a size 2 between 115 to 120 pounds my entire life besides pregnancy. I was able to maintain this weight simply by hitting the gym 2 days a week. I have gained 8 pounds within 2 months of the onset of my symptoms and have been unable to shed anything. I am working out 5 days a week burning 1000 calories a day! Just to stabilize my weight because I can't lose anything. All the weight is in my lower abdomen, it has grown 3 inches, while the rest of my body measurements remain the same as when I was a size 2. I have had a ct scan of my abdomen and brain, extensive bloodwork including thyroid tests, internal/external ultrasound, std tests, spinal x-ray. They now have me on miralax to check if it is possibly IBS, if not they are going to do laproscopic surgery to check for endometriosis. Please help I can't keep up this workout routine forever especially with the fatigue and I am afraid to gain weight as my entire family has weight and health problems, this is why I have spend my life being fit.

kmas wrote:I am hoping that there is someone who can help me or at least point me in the right direction. For the last 6 years I have had stomach bloating. I did every test possible. It is not IBS, thyroid, or low stomach acidity, food allergies.... I can look 5-6 months pregnant without exaggerating. Also in these 6 years I have had a 30 pound weight gain. I have an amazing diet and always exercise. I have never been healthier. It seems the healthier I eat or the more I exercise the bigger I get. The weird thing is last July I gave birth. During my pregnancy and for about 6 months after birth I didn't seem to have this problem. Now it is back worse than ever. I have had to pull out my maternity clothes again because my clothes might fit me 1 day but not the next. Sometime I can even get bloated in my face and arms. Someone mentionned that it might have to do with hormones or maybe missing minerals in body like sodium....It has taken control over my life. If there is anybody that can help I would really appreciate it!!!!

Have you looked into endometriosis? Its a long shot but I know that symptoms are supposed to get better in pregnancy. I have been looking into this myself because docs have told me it is a possibility to my problems, considering getting laproscopic surgery to find out. Birth control pills are also supposed to help with endo symptoms. But I have read that endo can also cause weight gain and inability to lose weight. So tired of working so hard and getting no results. I feel your pain, good luck.

kmas wrote:I am hoping that there is someone who can help me or at least point me in the right direction. For the last 6 years I have had stomach bloating. I did every test possible. It is not IBS, thyroid, or low stomach acidity, food allergies.... I can look 5-6 months pregnant without exaggerating. Also in these 6 years I have had a 30 pound weight gain. I have an amazing diet and always exercise. I have never been healthier. It seems the healthier I eat or the more I exercise the bigger I get. The weird thing is last July I gave birth. During my pregnancy and for about 6 months after birth I didn't seem to have this problem. Now it is back worse than ever. I have had to pull out my maternity clothes again because my clothes might fit me 1 day but not the next. Sometime I can even get bloated in my face and arms. Someone mentionned that it might have to do with hormones or maybe missing minerals in body like sodium....It has taken control over my life. If there is anybody that can help I would really appreciate it!!!!

Have you looked into endometriosis? Its a long shot but I know that symptoms are supposed to get better in pregnancy. I have been looking into this myself because docs have told me it is a possibility to my problems, considering getting laproscopic surgery to find out. Birth control pills are also supposed to help with endo symptoms. But I have read that endo can also cause weight gain and inability to lose weight. So tired of working so hard and getting no results. I feel your pain, good luck.

I used to work in an OB/Gyn clinic doing ultrasound, followed by four years of hospital work. These symptoms do not point to endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissue (the innermost layer of the uterus) grows in areas where it doesn't belong, such as on the ovaries and in the bowel. It has been found in other places, but the pelvis is most common. Its biggest symptoms is PAIN, especially during menstruation, because this is when the endometrium sheds, also known as menstruation or one's period.

The weight gain and the bloating is more similar to my situation. I'm a mountain biker - lots of exercise and I eat well. I do eat some organic foods, low fat, no artificial sweeteners, unless I eat out. I lost my job, last year, and had to leave the town I absolutely loved. I gained 30 pounds just last year. It was pretty devastating.

I tried using Weight Watchers to lose the weight, but this time, it just would not work. I've lost 40 pounds using Weight Watchers, before, but my body just would not respond, this time, and I was pretty strict. I decided to try a different diet - the Zone - which changed my carb/protein/fat ratio tremendously. I lost 10 pounds in the first two weeks, now it is slower, and I lost almost two inches around my waist and hips. My energy went way up and my cycling performance has improved significantly. I would strongly recommend trying a lower-carb diet. It is absolutely NOT a low-carb diet, but it has a different balance.

Since starting the zone, my bloating has decreased, my ulcer-like symptoms have gone away, and my bowels are being more cooperative.

I know from professional experience that a lot of women have GI problems - maybe even just chemical problems resulting from the wrong diet, like me - but a lot of these women go through long, drawn-out diagnostic processes because many doctors seem to always start with gynecological diagnostic tests rather than referring the women to a gastroenterologist. Some women go to gynecologists, for EVERYTHING, but this is absolutely the wrong thing to do if their problems fall under the scope of another specialist. If you're having right-sided upper abdominal pain and bloating, chances are that you don't need a pelvic ultrasound and a gynecologist.

Hi, i am a 27 yr old female living in wales, when i was 19, i was suffering from chronic heartburn and lost lots of wight as i was unable to eat anything apart from bread, the doctors decided that i had a scared and non functioning gall bladder and they opperated and removed it, fast forward a few years and the symptoms got worse, the doctors have now had me on lansoprazone to reduce the level of acid in my stomach to that of a polar bear, and following routine blood tests which showed that i had abnormally high liver function tests they did a liver biopsy, which was very painfull, they have now diagnosed primary billiary sclerosis of the bile duct which means the liver will eventually need to be replaced as the bile duct spreads into the liver as a tree and once it has scarred all over it will no longer work. the docs recon ill need one by the time im 40. At present they have me on Ursodeocloric acid (polar bear tablets), i literatly rattle, when u include the pain killers, since they removed my gall bladder i have suffered from being constantly tierd, and have a real struggle to get up in the mornings, have put on wieght that no matter what i do i cant shift, and have bloating that i look pregnant, and i am able to balance a can of pop on top of my bloated tummy. the amout of streach marks that this streaching has caused is unbeleavable. I just wanted to tell people that i was young and nieve and did what the doctors told me, and it turns out that none of them actually knew what was wrong and they were really in the dark and did the first thing that came to mind, as it turns out there was nothing wrong with my gall bladder and after having further tests and scans of my liver it turns out they have left part of the gall bladder in by mistake, so god knows what kind of mess is in there. Please Please Please think things through before you opt to go under the kife as once they have taken bits out they can not put them back!!!!! im thank full that with the medication i can live a realitely normal life, but they are unsure what long term effects the tabs will have or if i will be able to have children of my own, so make the most of what you have and think carefully before u make any big desiccions.

im female and they were unsure due to me having a liver complaint what contraception i could have, before i was diagnosed i tried the pill but it made me nauseous, they then put in the implanon, hormonal tube olaced under the skin on the arm, none of these were any good for me as i had a period every week and was continuously being sick, i have now had a meneva coil fitted which was very painfull as i havnt had any children, and its been in about 2 years, the 1st year i didnt have a period and now they have started again andd im thinking it may have to be taken out before long, all of them have caused some weight gain, and stomach bloating which is quite anoying, hope this helps a bit?

[quote="tulippetal"]Hi,I have been experiencing the same problem for 10 weeks now. When I eat anything I look 5 months pregenant and I gained 15 pounds. I am currently being tested for various conditions by my GI doctor at Ceders Sinai in Beverly Hills California and I am seeing a nutritionist weekly. I don't have a diagnoses yet but it seems like I am having problems digesting wheat, dairy, soy and highly seasoned items and high fat, high sugar items. I would recommend you remove all wheat, diary, soy and other items that cause gas such as beans and brocolli. I find when I do not eat these items and I eat small portions of food every 2 hours rather then eating a normal size meal, I feel better and don't bloat and I have lost 10 of the 15 pounds. My GI doctor thinks I may have a bactria overgrowth in my small intestine and I am getting tested for that this Friday, July 14, 2006. I will let you know if that is the problem because it seems like we have the same issue. Please email me at my regular email address kcurran@vantagepartners.com and I can email you the information regarding the strict diet that my nutritionist placed me on.

Let me know how you feel when you remove these items. I hope you feel better I know how horrible this can be.

Sincerely,Kristi

hi my name is tanya im 29 and ive been reading everybodys posts here. i literally am sick to death of having all these problems like you guys are. lots of bloating, gas, tummy cramps, mood swings, light headedness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, excema (or really dry skin), i have been diagnosed with rheumatiod arthritis about 5 years ago but that seems to be under control alot lately. i workout 3-4 times a week in the gym with my husband (whos a personal trainer) and im not really seeing results, something that im eating or not eating is obviously effecting my shape and what not. i dont eat junk foods, plently of veggies and some fruit each day, fish, other meats, eggs. ive stopped taking regular cows milk (even organic) and stopped eating natural yoghurts, i have switched to an oat milk which is gluten free and lactose free. i wanna know if anyone got solid help via seeing a nutritionist or a dietician and can give me some advice. im not on the pill or pregnant, have reduced the amount of coffee i take each day (one small cup now) and take expensive paradox oil (the best quality of fish oil) and vitamins (also the best quality). please im hoping someone can help as im getting desperate!

Still suffering from the same issues since January. Bloated stomach (eased by daily miralax), constant crampy pain in lower left abdominal region, weight gain/inability to lose weight with extensive exercise, fatique, headaches, fat build up around love handle area only. Anyway here is a link that I am considering looking into maybe it will help somebody. I am getting used to dissapointment and am willing to try pretty much anything to feel normal again and not have to kill myself at the gym just to maintain my body shape which is 8 pounds/1 dress size larger than I should be. Good luck.

Ive had all the same symptoms, ive had them for going on 4 years now. Ive been diagnosed with i.b.s, possible ulcer, just my endometriosis, gallbladder (stones), and ive been told nothings wrong with me. Went to a stomach doc last month and im having my gallbladder out this friday , they did a HIDA scan and my gallbladder isnt emptying the bile. I am excited to have the surgery, and hope this is it!

The past year I have been experiencing the stomach bloat after everything I ate. Looking 5 months pregnant became the norm for me. I tried cutting out dairy, soy and gluten to no avail.

Recently I took the advice I found in this thread and researched "Leaky Gut" syndrome. I started taking some supplements suggested for this condition and over the past two weeks have had some amazing results. My stomach is the flattest it has been in over a year. I have reintroduced dairy, soy and gluten with no problems and the best part is that my digestion/absorption of food has dramatically improved. Instead of a constant bloat with no real feelings of hunger or fullness no matter how much I did or did not eat I now get fantasically hungry and after eating feel completely satiated. It is wonderful.

So here is what I have been doing. Tons of probiotics (the kind with 50 billion plus good bacteria), constant hydration and "Digest Gold" digestive enzymes. I consulted my Dr. about these supplements and he thinks it is the digestive enzymes that are helping the most. The "Digest Gold" are supposed to be the best on the market. They are expensive, but I highly recommend them. Amazon.com has the best pricing.

I have also been doing some research on kick starting my digestive system so I do not have to take these supplements forever. I found some interesting articles about liver health and how improving your liver will improve you ability to digest food.

I really think my problem is/was that my body was not breaking down food into in energy and instead storing it causing the weight gain.

I do not usually reply to subjects such as these, as I am not a doctor. But I have had to learn how to deal with my OWN body over the years, and did not always make the right choices, due to advice I was given (including medical advice). I would just like to say that everyone's body and digestion are different, no remedy is going to work for EVERYONE....EVER! Myself and my daughter both had troubles with bloating. I had the bloating, pregnant looking, and weight gain issues for quite a long time, with no relief from changing my diet or taking a few doctors advice. Until I realized a few things. You need to learn what works with your body. If you eat something and get bloated. DO NOT EAT IT!! Or at least know that you have issues with it, and learn to eat smaller amounts of it less often. When my daughter came to me with her issues, I told her the same. She gained 15 pound in only a couple months and her bra size went up 2 sizes. She was tested for pregnancy, along a few other things, and still no explanation. After she came to me and I explained to her how to listen to her body, she not only lost the weight, the size and the frustration, but she has tons more energy. Now in my case, it was mostly sugared drinks (Iced-tea was the worst)...tons of milk (I am not intolerant) and quite simply eating when I was not hungry. She agreed she does the same. One of the biggest problem with people today is listening to what works for others. Diets containing strictly fruits, veggies and fiber and all the good stuff ..does not agree with me. I personally need a little bit of everything to run smoothly. Sound stupid? It's true. And to agree that eating 5-6 times a day for good health, is ridiculous...not everyones body can handle that the same way. Just eat what you normally do, and if you bloat, find a new strategy for that food, and go on to the next. Eventually you will find what works for YOUR body. That is YOUR diet, and only yours.....simple

All the things that do not agree with my stomach....I still eat.I have just learned how and when to eat them.Iced-Tea is my favorite thing in the world, but it makes my stomach grow by the day.So I learned to have 1 glass instead of 3, or only once or twice a week. And I exercise regularly...not because I want to, but because I have to, I am 43 years old and just being active is not working for me anymore.

Good luck all. No one wants to be sick or not feel their best. Just take a minute to accept who you are and what your body is...that made it a whole lot easier for me.